Trends for Summer 2015

I love browsing through the trend forecasts for the coming year, I never do anything about it, but I like to think that one day I might be organised enough to be right there at the front with the latest style.

Today I’d like to share some of my favourites from the lists.

A new way to wear an old favourite

This year, brooches are the must have accessory. I love how they are being worn here, they’re not just for your lapel!
This handmade wooden brooch would be perfect to wear on your sleeve.

Handmade wooden brooch by AnnaWiscombe

Or how about a quirky blue ceramic sausage dog?

Ceramic Sausage dog by CherishCeramics

Another great trend for this year is mismatched earrings… here at the AJE Team, we’re streets ahead of the trends, as this idea featured in Diana’s mismatched earring blog hop some time ago. She made this fun pair back in 2012

Mismatched Earrings by Diana Ptaszynski

There are no limits to this trend, this pair has been handmade from Sterling Silver. I love the contrast between the sleek silver and the grungy dark metal.

Mismatched Earrings by RevolutionBA

Featuring in many of this years designs is brass. Big and chunky or delicate and dainty, many of the top designers are creating designs with this wonderful warm metal.

Ethiopian Brass Spacers by KofisAfricanBeads

It’s great for etching too…

Brass Cuff by AnnaMcDade

For some great inspiration for what you can do with etching, Lesley has a great blog post here!

Another trend I’m looking forward to is hippy style. Big, bold and bright designs are going to be making a comeback this year.

Create your own design with these gorgeous beads from Genea.

Electric Lime Lentils by Genea

Or go for an ethnic feel with these fairy ribbons.

Silk Ribbons from MarshaNealStudio

And to finish off, my favourite of the lot, statement pendants. This year, bigger is better!

Micro Mosaic Bee by Izovella

Boho Statement pendant by Narimcrafts

Ceramic Necklace by JoelleBCreations

So what creations do you have planned for the summer? Me, I have lots, but knowing my organisational skills, they won't be ready until Christmas!

The Return of Mismatched Monday!

After I returned from the bead cruise last month I came away with an amazing amount of inspiration. I ended up creating and writing tutorials for 8 pieces that will debut in various bead magazines over the course of the rest of the year and into early next year.

A few days ago, I sat down thinking I would still be filled with inspiration but then nothing happened.  Apparently, I used it all up....or so I thought!  I decided to start organizing my massive bead collection and in the process I ended up finding lots of beads I forgot I even had!

Among the forgotten were these ceramic leaf pieces that Karen had made.  They were in two separate locations in my office.  Since they had the same glaze and theme I thought they would be perfect for some mismatched earrings!

I then made a whole new mess in my office searching for the perfect pieces to go with them.  I pulled some newly acquired czech glass, brass beads and a brass dragonfly that was in my bead cruise bag.

It was fun to return to the mismatched earrings again and now I feel the urge to make MORE!  Have you been inspired by organizing your bead collection?

Earring Resources:
Ceramic leaf charm & bead-Starry Road Studio
Brass dragonfly, ear wires, jump rings and bronze wire-Fusion Beads
Czech glass-Arte Bella Surplus
Brass beads-Hands of the Hills and Rings & Things

Happy Beading!

Diana P.
Suburban Girl Studio LLC

Mismatched Monday: Festive Sparkles

In addition to traditional red and green, jewel-tones are always popular this time of year.  Since I just purchased an amethyst sweater and sequined top I thought I'd make some earrings to wear with them.  These are perfect for right now AND for New Year's!

Materials
Copper disk charms: Metal Me This
Lampwork beads: Molten Mayhem
Niobium findings & earwires: The Odyssey and Bead Expressions
Crystals: Eureka Crystal Beads
Chain: Michaels

I didn't want the earrings to be 100% purple because I thought that would be too matchy matchy.  We all know I don't do matchy matchy.  Instead, I chose another color as the main focus and then added just a hint of purple with Jan's lampwork.

What festive colors will you be wearing this holiday season?

Diana P.
Suburban Girl Studio